Book of World History (Usborne)

This is the combined, hardcover volume of the Children's Picture World History series, covering the first civilizations to 1914 A.D. Given to her as a gift, this volume was eagerly devoured from cover to cover by our then 5th grade daughter, who scarcely put it down and opened every sentence with "Did you know...?". Previously showing very little interest in history as a school subject, we were impressed at the ability of this book to hold her interest. The text is highly readable and the illustrations captivating. If you are force-feeding history to your upper-elementary or junior high student, this may be the answer. Please note that this is a secular publication. You may want to edit or omit some of this volume, particularly the earliest part. Depending on the age of your children, you may let them "edit" themselves - or use the discrepancies between the secular and Christian worldview as the basis for discussion.

*Disclaimer – Although illustrated mostly with cartoon-like drawings, it is quite graphic for sensitive readers. For example, when it discusses the Assyrian Army, it shows a picture of the decapitated heads of dead citizens and soldiers holding some of these bleeding heads in their hands. It shows one soldier cutting a man's throat. There is also quite a bit of nudity in this book, but it is presented for historical accuracy and not portrayed in an overly explicit manner.